The museum holds a comprehensive collection of minerals from the Armorican Massif.
It houses an entire skeleton of a right whale, which is a centerpiece of the zoological gallery.
The institution conducts ongoing research and serves as a center for scientific publication on biodiversity.
The Vivarium section contains living reptiles and amphibians for ecological observation.
It includes a specialized collection of pre-Columbian artifacts alongside natural specimens.
The Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Nantes is housed in a historic 19th-century building located in the city center. It holds a significant scientific collection comprising over 1.5 million specimens, including zoology, paleontology, and mineralogy. The museum is noted for its extensive research activities and its focus on regional biological diversity. Permanent galleries showcase skeletons of large marine mammals and prehistoric fossils. It maintains a partnership with the Nantes Botanical Garden, integrating living and preserved plant collections. The institution is known for its taxidermy collection and detailed reconstructions of extinct species.
The central staircase beneath the large whale skeleton provides the best vantage point for photos.
Visit the Vivarium area first to see live animals before exploring the static collections.
Check the official website for temporary exhibitions, as these rotate frequently and often feature contemporary art alongside specimens.
Look for the museum's educational workshops if you are visiting with children.
Do not attempt to touch the specimens, as many are fragile or treated with historical chemical preservatives.
Closed on Tuesdays.
